OAKLAND studio
Process
Process
Every project begins with people, place, and architecture.
We believe meaningful landscape design grows from careful listening, a deep understanding of context, and a refined dialogue between space, materiality, and built form.
Every project begins with people, place, and architecture.
We believe meaningful landscape design grows from careful listening, a deep understanding of context, and a refined dialogue between space, materiality, and built form.
01
01
Listening
Listening
Every project begins with a conversation. For us, good design does not start with form alone, but with the people who will inhabit the space — their way of life, needs, preferences, routines, and sense of beauty. At this stage, we define not only the practical requirements, but also the atmosphere the client is seeking. We also begin to understand the architectural intent of the project, so the landscape can evolve as a natural extension of the way the place is meant to be lived in.
Every project begins with a conversation. For us, good design does not start with form alone, but with the people who will inhabit the space — their way of life, needs, preferences, routines, and sense of beauty. At this stage, we define not only the practical requirements, but also the atmosphere the client is seeking. We also begin to understand the architectural intent of the project, so the landscape can evolve as a natural extension of the way the place is meant to be lived in.
02
02
Reading the Place
Reading the Place
We then study the site in depth — climate, orientation, light, soil, topography, access, views, and the wider surroundings. At the same time, we analyse the architectural language of the project: proportions, geometry, material character, thresholds, and the relationship between interior and exterior. For us, context is not a background, but the foundation of the design. It shapes the spatial logic, the planting approach, the material palette, and the way the landscape connects to the architecture.
We then study the site in depth — climate, orientation, light, soil, topography, access, views, and the wider surroundings. At the same time, we analyse the architectural language of the project: proportions, geometry, material character, thresholds, and the relationship between interior and exterior. For us, context is not a background, but the foundation of the design. It shapes the spatial logic, the planting approach, the material palette, and the way the landscape connects to the architecture.
03
03
Shaping the Concept
Shaping the Concept
At this stage, we translate the collected information into a clear concept. Spatial structure, circulation, function, atmosphere, and visual identity begin to take shape together. Our goal is to create landscapes that do not sit next to architecture, but work in dialogue with it — reinforcing its character, extending its logic, and giving the project a calm and coherent whole. This is where we define the balance between openness and enclosure, softness and structure, material restraint and sensory richness.
At this stage, we translate the collected information into a clear concept. Spatial structure, circulation, function, atmosphere, and visual identity begin to take shape together. Our goal is to create landscapes that do not sit next to architecture, but work in dialogue with it — reinforcing its character, extending its logic, and giving the project a calm and coherent whole. This is where we define the balance between openness and enclosure, softness and structure, material restraint and sensory richness.
04
04
Refining the Design
Refining the Design
Once the concept is approved, we develop the project in detail. We refine materials, surfaces, terrain, planting, lighting, and all key elements of the outdoor environment with precision and consistency. Particular attention is given to transitions, junctions, edges, and custom elements, so the landscape feels fully integrated with the architecture rather than treated as a separate layer. For us, detail is what gives the project depth, quality, and permanence — and what makes the final result both visually strong and buildable.
Once the concept is approved, we develop the project in detail. We refine materials, surfaces, terrain, planting, lighting, and all key elements of the outdoor environment with precision and consistency. Particular attention is given to transitions, junctions, edges, and custom elements, so the landscape feels fully integrated with the architecture rather than treated as a separate layer. For us, detail is what gives the project depth, quality, and permanence — and what makes the final result both visually strong and buildable.
A considered process leads to landscapes that feel natural, lasting, and deeply connected to architecture.
A considered process leads to landscapes that feel natural, lasting, and deeply connected to architecture.